Monday November 13, 2017 at 4:01pm Age: 126 days
Category: High School, District

IMAGINE, DESIGN, BUILD: THE JOY OF MAKING STUFF

MVHS's Design & Drawing for Production course attracts students for an array of reasons, but they all share one thing in common: they love to make stuff!

Currently, in Mr. Mink and Mr. Tuthill’s classes, students are making personalized signs from hardwood. The process involves the application of basic math concepts, learning to practice safe construction as they move through various shop-based operations, and using automation technology (laser engraving).

They start with a rough cut of poplar wood and mill it into workable stock using the planer and joiner. Next, they move on to the table saw and compound miter saw to cut the stock to size, according to their design specifications.

Time for details: using the router table, they shape a decorative edge around their board, and sand the face and edges to produce a smooth, engraving-ready surface. After calculating the center of their board, they engage in in-depth design work to prepare for the automation process on the laser engraver. Once engraved, the signs are lightly sanded, enhanced with a finish, and equipped with hanging hardware.

In their summary of the project, students reflect on what they learned, what interested them most in the process (design or production) and why.

Student projects and responses…
Greg Fratto’s sign is a tribute to good times spent fishing with his Dad in the Adirondacks. “I don’t go fishing to escape my life. I go fishing to live my life,” the sign reads. A sophomore, Greg chose the class because of his interest in engineering.
Triston Maldonado loves to work with his hands and his sign is a Christmas gift for his Mom. It reflects something important to her and her family, but we will not spoil the surprise.

Ninth grader Erick Vasquez loves to “make stuff” and use his imagination. “There’s more freedom to be creative in this class,” Erick said. His sign bears the names of his favorite wrestlers – the Bella twins – and will be hanging over his bed.

Senior Chris Balogh’s sign is inspired by his of love of music and his familiarity with sound-playing icons (e.g., play, pause, rewind). Crispy, as he’s best known to his varsity tennis team-players, took the class because of his interest in carpentry. He will earn a carpentry license from C-Tech later this year, and plans to attend SUNY Delhi next fall to pursue a career in construction management.